"Flight Attendants, as first responders and the last line of defense in our nation’s aviation system, understand the importance of maintaining a calm cabin environment," said the Association of Flight attendants in a statement. "Passengers making phone calls could extend beyond a mere nuisance, creating negative effects on aviation safety and security that are great and far too risky. "

However, some fliers said that cellphone use on planes wouldn't be all that bad, as long as folks were polite about it.

"I think that if other passengers were respectful and they used earphones or other wireless devices then I think it would be acceptable," said one passenger at Dulles airport.

The FCC will solicit public comments on the issue in December, followed several months later by a final vote. Ultimately it will be up to individual carriers to decide whether to allow the calls on their flights. United, American and Jetblue are mulling the issue, while Delta has said passenger feedback has already led them to decide against in-flight cellphone use.